Refresh puts spotlight on cyber security

Broadcasting, Communications
and Digital Media Minister Clare Curran today announced a
comprehensive refresh of New Zealand’s approach to cyber
security.

“Cyber threats are growing in number and
are increasingly sophisticated. The reality is that digital
technology provides new avenues for criminals and other
states to gain advantage and cause harm here,” Clare
Curran said.

“New Zealander’s widespread use of
connected devices and the security challenges of emerging
technology are intensifying the problems.

“So it’s
timely for us to step up New Zealand’s cyber security
efforts so that we are not left vulnerable to cyber
intrusion and to refresh the 2015 strategy so we can deal
with increasingly bold, brazen and disruptive
threats.

“This Government has committed to building a
connected nation, promoting and protecting digital rights.
We intend to close the digital divides by 2020, and to make
ICT the second largest contributor to GDP by 2025. A modern,
responsive cyber security system is essential to
this.

“We must protect the information and network
systems that are vital to our economic growth, ensure the
integrity and security of our increasingly digitalised
government services and make sure Kiwis can interact online
without suffering harm.”

The refresh of the Cyber
Security Strategy and Action Plan will involve close
collaboration with the private sector and citizens.

It
will consider whether the government has the right resources
and the right arrangements to address the increasing cyber
threats facing New Zealand.

“We must work collectively
to build New Zealand’s cyber security capability and
resilience so I invite everyone to join the play a key role
in this work to refresh New Zealand’s Cyber Security
Strategy,” Clare Curran said.

“The problems are
growing and it’s timely to look at what more can be done
to improve New Zealand’s cyber defences.”

The National
Cyber Security Centre, which focuses on countering
sophisticated cyber threats and protecting New Zealand’s
networks of national importance, recorded 396 incidents over
the 2016-17 year.

The Centre estimates that advanced cyber
threats have the potential to cause $640m harm annually to
New Zealand’s organisations of national
significance.

“The refresh of the current strategy will
be led by the National Cyber Policy Office (NCPO) within the
Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC) and involve
a wide range of government agencies,” Clare Curran said.

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